Indulge in the comforting and aromatic flavors of this delicious Upside-Down Apple Cake. With its tender cake base, caramelized apple topping, and hint of cinnamon, this dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of juicy Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and a touch of brandy creates a flavor profile that is sure to impress. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to make this delightful dessert.
Indulge in the comforting and aromatic flavors of this delightful Upside-Down Apple Cake. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices and a tender cake base to create a dessert that is both delicious and visually stunning. With its caramelized apple topping and hints of cinnamon, this cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
This Upside-Down Apple Cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Each slice offers a harmonious combination of tender cake, sweet caramelized apples, and a touch of warm cinnamon. The flavors are enhanced by the hint of brandy, which adds a subtle richness to the overall taste.
Whether you’re serving it as a dessert for a dinner party or enjoying it as a comforting treat at home, this Upside-Down Apple Cake is a delightful indulgence. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors, along with the enticing aroma, will make this cake a favorite for apple lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large Granny Smith apples (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons Calvados, applejack, or other brandy
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 2-inch-high sides. Coat the pan with sugar and tap out any excess.
- In a heavy large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar, water, and cinnamon, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the thinly sliced apples to the skillet and cook until they are just tender, turning them frequently for about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the apples and arrange them decoratively in the bottom of the cake pan.
- Continue boiling the liquid in the skillet until it thickens and becomes syrupy, which will take about 4 minutes. Pour this syrup over the arranged apples.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a small bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of sugar, egg yolks, eggs, Calvados (or applejack/brandy), and vanilla until well blended.
- Gently stir in the dry ingredients and fold in the melted butter (1/2 cup).
- Pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan. Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which usually takes about 45 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a small sharp knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake, then turn the cake out onto a platter.
- Serve the Upside-Down Apple Cake warm or at room temperature, savoring the enticing combination of flavors in each bite.
